ASIA/CHINA - 100 days left until the Olympics: Catholics praying for the success of the Olympic Games; hopes and prayers from the Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - From Beijing to Si Chuan (southwest), from Shaan Xi (midwest) to Hei Long Jiang (northeast), from central Mongolia (north) to Yun Nan (south), on April 30, Chinese Catholics celebrated this day that marks 100 days until the Olympic Games with prayers and a Mass, in union with all its citizens. The Games will be held in Beijing and are scheduled to begin August 8, 2008. During the event, Catholic priests, religious, and laity will work as volunteers, offering spiritual and linguistic assistance to the foreign visitors who will be present. The other sister-Churches in Asia have also sent their encouragement and assured of their prayers for the success of the Olympics. The Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, in particular, have sent a message to Chinese Catholics expressing their encouragement and support with their prayer and spiritual closeness. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 2/5/2008; righe 11, parole 141)